A helping hand.

These dozers are getting a constant workout in the big sandbox. That means clean air is needed (and lots of it) so the vehicles engine can run smoothly. Clean air means clean filters. That's where you come in with a helping hand and keen eye.

Air Indicator Check

Eyeball the dozer's air cleaner indicator. Its right next to the filter canister. If the indicator moves from yellow to red, open the canister and pull out the primary air filter.

Use low-pressure air from a nearby tactical vehicle to blow air--30 psi or less--from inside to outside to loosen sand from the dozer's air filter element. Never bang the filter on a rock or hard surface like the dozer's track. Replace the primary air filter element once a year, or after six cleanings.

When the dozer's secondary filter becomes clogged, have your mechanic replace it.

If after installing a clean or new primary filter element, the indicator moves into the red zone when you try to start, the secondary filter's clogged Black exhaust smoke is another indication of a clogged filter.

Finally, if you reset the indicator and it stays in the red zone after installing a new or clean primary filter element, that is a sure-fire indication of a clogged secondary filter.

Tight Seal Deal

With the filter elements installed, be careful how the canister lid goes back in place. That lid needs a tight seal to keep out sand.

The lid has a recessed lip with a raised mark on its outer cover.